The 2023 MLS Conference Semifinals are set – Philadelphia Union vs FC Cincinnati date and time confirmed

After heading up to New England and taking care of business to sweep the Revs in the opening round of the playoffs, Union has advanced to the Eastern Conference Semifinals for the 3rd consecutive season. The matchups are decided, the schedule is locked in, and the stage is set.

It’s a rematch of last season’s Eastern Conference semis, where Leon Flach scored a late goal at Subaru Park to send Philadelphia through to the conference finals. This time around Philly will have to travel through Ohio on their road to MLS Cup, where they’ll face off against Supporters Shield winners FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium on Saturday, November 25th at 8 pm.

The Conference Semifinals – and every round from this point onward – will be single elimination and will not go straight to penalty kicks, unlike the opening round. Games that are level at the end of regulation will go to two 15-minute overtime periods, with PKs settling any game still level after that.

Union, MLS — Mandatory Credit: Philadelphia Union

Conference Semifinal matchups

Orlando City SC (2) vs. Columbus Crew (3)

When: Saturday, Nov. 25 | 5:30 pm ET

Where: Exploria Stadium | Orlando, Florida

FC Cincinnati (1) vs. Philadelphia Union (4)

When: Saturday, Nov. 25 | 8 pm ET

Where: TQL Stadium | Cincinnati, Ohio

Houston Dynamo FC (4) vs. Sporting Kansas City (8)

When: Sunday, Nov. 26 | 7 pm ET

Where: Shell Energy Stadium | Houston, Texas

Seattle Sounders FC (2) vs. LAFC (3)

When: Sunday, Nov. 26 | 9:30 pm ET

Where: Lumen Field | Seattle, Washington

This should be a really exciting Conference Semifinal. At this point, anyone could be the favorite to win MLS Cup. While It’s hard to say one team stands out way more than any others, I feel confident that whoever advances between Philadelphia and Cincinnati has a great chance to win it all this season.

There are just about 2 weeks of international break before game day – hopefully, Philly can use the time to stay sharp and be as ready as possible for a battle in Ohio to keep their cup dreams alive.